Sunburn in Babies

Not to be taken lightly, sunburn can seriously hurt your baby. Here's how to protect your little one's skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Sunburn is redness, burning and inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to sunlight. Typically, a burn begins to show up two to four hours after exposure, and the color (and pain!) peak 12 to 14 hours later. That's also when a bad burn may begin to blister. The redness will begin to fade in two or three days, and the skin usually starts to peel.

A sunburn hurts when it happens, but it can be even more hurtful down the line. A single bad burn in infancy or childhood doubles one's risk of developing malignant melanoma, the most deadly of skin cancers, in adulthood. Researchers estimate that 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to the sun and are therefore preventable.

What causes sunburn?

The sun's harmful rays cause sunburn. Infants are particularly susceptible to it because their skin is so thin and delicate.

What can you do to prevent sunburn?

Prevention is paramount when it comes to sunburn. Here's how to keep your baby safe:

Limit exposure: The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to keep baby in the shade during those peak hours.

Use sunscreen: There are a dozens of formulas out there, so choose carefully. Look for a sunscreen made for children with an SPF of 30 to 50 (and no lower than 15), that offers full-spectrum protection, which means it protects from both UVB rays, a main cause of sunburn, and UVA rays, which can lead to premature skin aging and skin cancer. It should also be waterproof and formulated for sensitive skin (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are hypoallergenic ingredients most babies tolerate well that sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed by it). If possible, do a patch test on baby's arm 48 hours before using a new product. Once you determine it won't cause a rash, apply the product about 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. For babies under 6 months old, use sunscreen sparingly on small areas of baby's body like the face, backs of the hands, and tops of the feet (but still try to keep them in the shade dressed in light, protective clothing). For older babies, reapply sunscreen early, often and liberally, especially after baby gets wet.

Choose that wardrobe wisely: Opt for hats with brims and back-flaps to protect the eyes, face and neck (and hopefully baby will wear one without fussing). Older babies should wear sunglasses (if they'll keep them on) that protect against all UV rays. The best clothes for tots are lightweight but tightly woven to shield skin from the sun.

Make your own shade: A good sunshade or parasol for your stroller is key for everyday protection. At the beach or pool, put up a big umbrella or portable tent so there's always a shady refuge for your baby.

How can you treat a sunburn in babies?

If your child does get burned, your primary task is to soothe the pain. Here's what to do:

Apply cool tap-water compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day.

Use aloe-vera gel or a gentle hypoallergenic moisturizer to soothe the skin.

If there's a lot of pain and/or swelling, you can give acetaminophen (for babies 2 months and older) or ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory for babies 6 months and older) with your pediatrician's approval.

Keep your baby out of the sun until the sunburn is fully healed.

When to call the doctor about a sunburn

If your baby is younger than 1 year old and gets sunburn, call the pediatrician right away. And for older children, it's a good idea to keep your doctor in the loop if the burn is anything more than mild and is accompanied by blistering, fever or a lot of pain. Your practitioner can help you decide if and when baby needs pain medicine or an office visit.

If the burn seems extensive, very painful and/or is accompanied by vomiting, your baby could be suffering from heatstroke and needs immediate medical attention. Try to stay calm, call your doctor and head to the nearest emergency room. And know that an extreme reaction like that to the heat and sun is rare, especially if you take the proper precautions and protect your baby when you're outside.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect the First Year. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

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What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.